Tips to Hiring Business Change Agents in South Africa

Change agents have the ability to redirect your organisation and take the company to the next level. Read these tips for hiring a business change agent in South Africa:

• Find out who the change agent has worked for: Ask for a complete CV and a list of clients from the change agent. You might want to partner with a change agent that has worked in your industry for optimal results.
• Ask for references: Ask the change agent if you could contact any of his or her past clients (or if the change agent can provide specific references). A few references will give you a good idea of the type of work the change agent does.
• Ask about upfront fees and retainers: Most change agents in South Africa will quote for each specific project, so ask for a cost estimate when you sign a contract.
• Discuss timeframes: You might need a change agent for a day or you may want an ongoing contract for a few weeks or months – ask the change agent about his or her schedule and availability.
• What type of feedback will you get? Would you like a separate feedback meeting with the change agent, a written report or an action plan? Discuss the goals and the type of feedback you will require.
• Discuss authority issues: Change agents usually have a good understanding of corporate structures and different personalities. While some people may be reluctant to change, others will jump on board and be supportive immediately. Discus how much authority the change agent will have over people (such as staff, managers and executives) and how conflict and opposing opinions should be handled.
• Get team leaders in on the process: How a person acts is much more important than what the person says. Have a separate meeting with your team leaders where they will be able to meet the change agent and discuss any concerns they might have. It will be much easier to redirect the organisation if the leaders within your company are on board.

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